Newcastle United Star Facing Possible Champions League Ban as Bayer Leverkusen Captain Awaits UEFA Verdict
Newcastle United could be without one of their key players in the Champions League, while one of their upcoming opponents awaits confirmation of a potential UEFA suspension.
Eddie Howe’s side have enjoyed a strong start to their European campaign, collecting six points from their first three group-stage fixtures. After a narrow 2–1 defeat to Barcelona on matchday one, the Magpies responded with a record-breaking 4–0 win away to Union Saint-Gilloise in Brussels, before easing past Jose Mourinho’s Benfica 3–0 at St James’ Park. Those back-to-back victories have propelled Newcastle into the competition’s top eight with five group games remaining.
Next up, the Tyneside club will host Athletic Club before travelling to Marseille and then Bayer Leverkusen. They close out the group in the new year with matches against PSV Eindhoven and reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain.
However, injuries remain a concern ahead of the next fixture, with Tino Livramento expected to miss out due to a knee issue, while Lewis Hall and Yoane Wissa are battling to regain fitness.
Midfielder Joelinton is another player Howe will be monitoring closely. The Brazilian, who sat out the starting XI against Benfica, is just one yellow card away from a one-match suspension after being booked in Newcastle’s first two group matches. He came off the bench on Tuesday night and managed to avoid another caution, keeping his eligibility intact for the clash with Athletic Club on November 5.
Still, with five matches left and Joelinton’s aggressive playing style, a Champions League suspension seems likely. Fellow teammates Dan Burn and Malick Thiaw are also on UEFA’s disciplinary radar but would need two more bookings before facing a ban.
Meanwhile, Newcastle’s upcoming opponents Bayer Leverkusen are awaiting the outcome of a disciplinary review involving their captain Robert Andrich. The midfielder was shown a straight red card for violent conduct — an elbow to the face of Desire Doue — during Leverkusen’s 7–2 home defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
While a Premier League red card for violent conduct typically results in a three-match ban, UEFA’s rules differ. The governing body’s Control, Ethics, and Disciplinary unit may increase suspensions depending on the nature of the offence.
A recent example saw Real Madrid’s Dani Carvajal handed a two-match ban for a headbutt against Marseille goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli. Similarly, UEFA could extend Andrich’s suspension to two or more matches if his elbow is deemed a serious assault.
Unless UEFA impose a longer ban, Andrich is expected to return in time for Bayer Leverkusen’s Group Stage clash with Newcastle United on December 10.
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